It can be something as simple as going for a walk. Or throwing a football together.
One of the most memorable experiences Jesse Mahugh had with his “little brother” was hiking into a mountain lake and fishing. Afterward they roasted a couple nice catches over the fire.
It left an indelible mark on both Mahugh and the young boy, and was exactly the type of experience that inspired him to become involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.
“I heard someone talk about the difference that the organization made in their life and I decided I wanted to be a part of that,” he said.
Mahugh is now working to help others enjoy the same types of impactful experiences and influence as the new executive director of the Flathead County chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Alongside Beth Delaney, the program director, Mahugh is encouraging local adults and even high schoolers to take on the role of mentor by signing up to spend time with kids in the community.
“The message I’ve been trying to share is, ‘Don’t think about being a mentor as something nice that someone else can do. But think about it as something you can do,’” Mahugh said recently from inside the nonprofit organization’s office in downtown.
“I think we’ve all had mentors in our lives who have really made a difference for us. And I think maybe that’s another reason why both Beth and I are called to this.”
The local chapter currently has 55 matches in the community, paring up men and women with young kids, ages 6 to 16. Another 22 young boys are awaiting a “big.” Generally, the organization is consistently seeking male mentors.
Volunteers are matched up in same-sex pairs and have two programs to choose from. There is a school-based program that pairs up “bigs” with elementary school students at Elrod for once-a-week meetings that include hanging out, working on homework together or simply providing a positive role model in their lives. The other program, called the community-based program, asks “bigs” to spend at least eight hours a month with their “little.”
“These little kids often don’t have anyone who is willing to take them out to do activities together,” Delaney said. “It’s just really about getting those kids out of the house and having fun together. And just having a stable adult that shows up makes a huge difference for the kids.”
The organizing is hosting one of its largest annual fundraisers, the “Bowl for Kids’ Sake” event on Nov. 16. The family friendly event is at Pick’s Bowling Center in Bigfork, and will feature different time slots for teams wanting to have fun bowling. This year’s theme is super heroes, and teams are encouraged to dress colorfully.
Each bowler is encouraged to raise a minimum of $75 in pledges. Bowlers can set up an online fundraising page at: http://www.firstgiving.com/bbbsfc. All funds raised at the event go toward matching up mentors with young kids in the community.
To register a team of four to five individuals or to make a donation call 752-0092 or go to www.bbbsfc.org. The event is on Sunday, Nov. 16, with time slots available at 11 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.
“Your donations help us conduct background checks on volunteers to ensure child safety and provide ongoing support for children, families and volunteers to build and sustain long-lasting relationships,” Delaney said.
The goal of the entire organization is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported relationships that change their lives for the better.
“It’s important because of the continuous and ongoing support it gives to the littles,” said Jeff Meredith, board president of the organization. “I like the program because it creates these relationships between the little and a mentor and provides that long lasting continuous mentoring and support to really grow and develop.”
For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County, visit bbbsfc.org or call 752-0092.